Monday, August 6, 2018 - The Transfiguration of the Lord - If you were on the mountain with Jesus, what would your response to the Transfiguration be? Why?

The
transfiguration is an event, which appears in all the Synoptic Gospels, but
each narrates it differently. In Mark, it follows after the instructions that
Jesus gives to the disciples at Caesarea Philippi and after six days. The event
is a confirmation by God of the fact that Jesus is indeed Messiah, beloved Son.
Most think that the reason for the choice of Elijah and Moses is that the Jews
considered them as being alive in the presence of God. Jesus is superior even
to these figures.

In Mk the
order is Elijah and Moses. In Matthew, the order is Moses and Elijah (so Luke)
to emphasize the two personalities of the Old Testament who received revelation
on Mount Sinai (Ex 19:33-34; 1Kgs 19:9-13) and personify the Law and the
prophets. While in Mt Jesus is the New Moses and Luke emphasizes the
approaching passion, Mark sees in the transfiguration the glorious
manifestation of the hidden Messiah. Briefly the disciples experience the
heavenly quality of Jesus. Jesus is no less Messiah when his Messianic glory is
hidden in the passion, than he is at the Transfiguration.

Elijah was
regarded as the prophet who would come before the Lord (Mal 3:24-25; 4:5) as
his messenger. Jesus’ reply in John suggests that Elijah has indeed come in
John the Baptist is an indication that he is the Lord.

There are
times in our lives when everything goes according to plan and at those times it
is easy to see that God is on our side. However, when we are faced with trials
and when things do not work out, as we want them to, then the transfiguration
is a reminder to us that even when carrying our cross we are still beloved by
God.

About Me

There are four maxims I try to live by. The first is to ALWAYS have CHOICES about everything. The more choices I have, the less the chances of my being disappointed.
The Second is that I try to see my REWARD in the doing of the action itself. I will expect nothing from anyone in return and even expect the very ones I have helped to be ungrateful. It does not matter. I do not mind.
The third is that every stage in my life I try to KNOW where my authority ends. This saves a lot of bother. I am not the General Manager of the Universe. I do what I have to do and leave the rest to God.
The fourth is a readiness to face the consequences of my action. When I make a gaffe I am willing to rectify it and apologize. However, if it cannot be rectified I am ready to face the penalty.